DIY Colombian Ajiaco with Natalia “Cookie” Martinez
CSI Spadina 192 Spadina Ave., Suite 501, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaNatalia “Cookie” Martinez has long been a beloved part of The Depanneur’s story. From her early days as a cookie baker, to the ice cream sandwiches that were a popular summertime treat at The Dep for many years, to her successful kiosk at Scadding Court’s Market 707, to her very own Columbian Street Food shop in the Junction Triangle, she’s always brought her infectious smile and good humour to the tasty food she serves. Her delicious Colombian ajiaco was always a customer and personal favourite, so I’m delighted to have her back for a special pop-up event while is briefly visiting Toronto from her new home in Germany.
HOMECOMING: A Depanneur Cookbook Dinner Party with Nantha Kumar
Ursa 5589 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, Quebec, CanadaMontreal has always been an indelible part of The Depanneur's DNA, and more fundamentally, who I am. This is evident from obvious things like the name to subtler details like the long-standing tradition of being a BYOB venue (a concept entirely foreign to Ontario) and the spontaneous, unpretentious character of the place. I am absolutely delighted to return to the city that inspired it all and have a chance to celebrate with old friends in my old quartier. In addition to a fabulous meal by Nantha Kumar, this extra special event will feature live musical performance by Malachi Vale and DJ sets by Andy Williams.
COOKING CLASS: Full-Day Breadmaking Intensive by Leo Baduria
Café ZuZu 555 Dundas Street East, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaJoin artisanal baker Leo Baduria for a full-day, in-depth exploration of the fundamentals of great bread. You’ll learn how to make your own sourdough starter, and how to prepare different types of dough, using various grains and flours. There will be hands-on practice of the techniques to folding, kneading and shaping dough to make focaccia/fougasse, baguettes, boules, batards and brioches, including challah braids.
COOKING CLASS: Eggless Pastas of Southern Italy with Chef Anthony Sestito
Culinarium 1215 Weston Rd., Toronto, Ontario, CanadaThis workshop takes place at Culinarium, 1215 Weston Rd. Join Chef Anthony Sestito of Pastaio for a fun, hands-on class exploring a selection of traditional pastas and shapes typical of […]
COOKING CLASS: Croissants from Scratch by Leo Baduria
Café ZuZu 555 Dundas Street East, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaJoin artisanal baker Leo Baduria to discover the secrets of one of French pastry's most magical delights - the flaky, delicate butter croissant. You will learn the whole process of creating your own croissants, from the base yeasted brioche dough, to the techniques of butter lamination that creates the croissant's signature delicate layered texture. This versatile dough can be used to make a variety of pastries like pain au chocolat, cinnamon swirls, palmiers and more. There will be delicious fresh croissants to enjoy in class, and participants will be able to take additional dough to bake at home.
PICKLEFEST HANDS-ON: Syrian Makdous by Rahaf Alakbani
Henderson Brewing 128a Sterling Road, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaIn 2016, when Newcomer Kitchen took root and grew out of The Depanneur, one of the most exciting aspects was the sudden, deep dive into the heart of traditional Syrian cuisine. Of the many delicious new things I was introduced to, one of my absolute favourites discoveries was makdous; rich, complex, pickled mini eggplants stuffed with garlic, spices and walnuts, eaten as a mezze, a side dish, or used as an ingredient in other dishes. Under Rahaf's expert guidance, you'll get to taste a variety of Syrian pickles, and learn a streamlined way to create your own flavorful makdous, along with an unforgettable introduction to Syrian culture, food and music.